Project Manager

Project Manager | Operational Excellence Position Summary

The Senior Operational Excellence Project Manager will support the implementation of key site transformation and continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This individual will serve as a critical member of the Operational Excellence team, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to drive project execution, operational improvements, and lean manufacturing initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong project management capabilities with hands-on Operational Excellence experience, including Lean methodologies and continuous improvement programs. This role will help ensure projects are completed on schedule, aligned with strategic objectives, and deliver measurable business results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support site transformation projects and Operational Excellence initiatives across manufacturing and support functions.

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Facilities, and site leadership to drive project execution and organizational change.

• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, milestones, and action item trackers to ensure successful project delivery.

• Facilitate cross-functional meetings, drive accountability, and proactively remove barriers to project success.

• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes, eliminate waste, and improve performance.

• Track project metrics, monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation plans to maintain project timelines.

• Support change management initiatives associated with process improvements and operational transformations.

• Provide project status updates and executive-level communications to key stakeholders and leadership teams.

• Identify opportunities for process standardization, improved workflows, and operational efficiencies across the site.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts to implement sustainable solutions that improve productivity, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Required QualificationsOperational Excellence / Lean Manufacturing (5+ Years)

• Demonstrated experience driving Operational Excellence programs within a manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and waste reduction initiatives.

• Experience implementing process improvement projects with measurable operational results.

Project Management (5+ Years)

• Proven success leading cross-functional projects from initiation through implementation.

• Experience developing project plans, managing schedules, tracking deliverables, mitigating risks, and ensuring successful project execution.

• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously while balancing competing priorities.

Manufacturing Operations Experience (5+ Years)

• Experience working within a regulated manufacturing environment.

• Ability to effectively partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Facilities teams to drive project objectives.

• Experience supporting site transformations, operational changes, or business process improvement initiatives preferred.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Strong leadership and influencing skills with the ability to drive alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Proven track record of facilitating cross-functional meetings, leading discussions, and building credibility with technical and operational teams.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with experience communicating to all levels of an organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP Certification preferred

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification strongly preferred

• Experience supporting large-scale site transformation, operational excellence, or continuous improvement programs

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar project management tools

• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments preferred

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or related technical field required

• PMP Certification preferred

• Lean Six Sigma Certification strongly preferred

Top Skills

• Operational Excellence (OpEx)

• Lean Manufacturing

• Continuous Improvement

• Project Management

• Site Transformation Initiatives

• Change Management

• Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lean Six Sigma

• Risk Management

• Microsoft Project / Smartsheet

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $58.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Parsippany-Troy Hills,NJ.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.